“Hope” is the thing with feathers
By Emily Dickinson
“Hope” is the thing with feathers –
That perches in the soul –
And sings the tune without the words –
And never stops – at all –And sweetest – in the Gale – is heard –
And sore must be the storm –
That could abash the little Bird
That kept so many warm –I’ve heard it in the chillest land –
And on the strangest Sea –
Yet – never – in Extremity,
It asked a crumb – of me.
I’m glad to report that I’m still here to witness another circle around the sun. I recently mentioned that if I knew I was going to live this long, I would have taken better care of my body. A friend said, “I doubt it.” And I doubt it, too. Along with the creaky knees and weak shoulders, my life has been enriched by many great experiences, some of which I remember.
Whenever I sit down to write this missive, I try to bring in something new, but I always return to the theme of gratitude. I suppose that’s because it is the feeling that dominates my life. How can I not be grateful for all that I have, particularly all of you? Nonetheless, I’ll focus on something equally important, and more difficult these days: Hope.
It has been a challenging year for those of us who are dedicated to peace, social justice, and a sustainable environment. It doesn’t seem possible that lack of compassion has been interpreted as strength; that economic strength is measured by individual wealth rather than general prosperity; that we are diminished as a society because people from other countries came here to make a better life by contributing to our society; and that the natural world has only commercial value? It feels like the house I’ve spent my life working on is on fire.
At times, I’ve found myself lost in despair and mired in cynicism. What helps me rise up is hope. While the house was gutted in the blink of an eye, rebuilding will take longer. But I believe that the house will be stronger. The foundations of this country are deeper than political ideologies. I have hope. I have faith in my fellow Americans, whether born here or elsewhere. Faith that most of us will weather this storm. Faith that we will rebuild. It doesn’t erase my sadness, but it does lighten it, and helps me continue working for a better, more loving, peaceful, and compassionate world.
Wishing You Peace, Love, and Joy!
Scenes from sunrise at Lehman Park
Robin McClellan 